garden on flat roof

[JennyGump]

Has anybody got ideas on how to build a garden on top of a flat roof garage?

[JC-hatchet]

Find a structural engineer to do an assessment of your requirements. It's no problem to load some dirt on the roof, it's just a matter of if the roof will hold it.

[shawntheanswerguy]

In many cases the roof over your garage was not designed for a garden and also be aware that prolonged contact from roof to soil can cause mildew and water rot. It also can affect the roofs drainage system. I would consult with a landscape technician as well as a structural engineer and also you may want to consider speaking with a roofing contractor in your area to speak to you about waterproofing the area for this project. If you have any further questions feel free to email me at dtpconstruction@aol.com

[Norm]

Great Idea!
People in California, Greece, Carribbean do it all the time, if the surface of the roof is smooth, not gravel. If it's gravel, probably a bad idea, the weight will push the rockes into the tar and cause leaks.
As a Former Roofing Contractor, The comments regarding structural weight is very crucial, and the moisture build up also.
First get a contractor/engineer to determine if it will handle the extra weight.
After an OK on that, Use several big plastic tubs cut in half about a foot or two high as large garden pots. You can get these tubs 3-4 feet in diamater from home depot.
By having the tubs, you can still do easy repairs to roof , walk around and avoid a total covering alowing mositure build up.

[Eido]

Underground houses have been associated with roof gardens or what they call "living roofs" for some time. You might contact these groups or books on underground house construction for further info..

[bpwrightwv]

Fine Homebuilding magazine featured an energy efficient, green home that included a landscaped roof. I saw it earlier this summer/spring. You may find a backorder, or more info, at www.finehomebuilding.com